It was truly Yang Qingqing.
The ID number matched exactly with the forged one Qin Guan held. The photo on the registered ID left no doubt - Qin Guan had seen Yang Qingqing before and secretly investigated her, so he recognized her ID photo immediately.
This was undoubtedly Xu Ruyi's former Shanghai colleague and close friend, Yang Qingqing.
Qin Guan furrowed his brows, bewildered - What did this mean? Who had prepared this in advance? Xu Ruyi? Impossible! She was still hospitalized!
Even if she had conspired with someone, Qin Guan knew all her friends and social circles intimately. Since their marriage began, he'd systematically removed any "friends" who might threaten their relationship, leaving only a few docile, indecisive housewives. Those women could never pull off something like this.
But if Xu Ruyi hadn't arranged this, did that mean... it was real?
Had Yang Qingqing truly stayed at this hotel?
On the very day of Xu Ruyi's incident?
Did that mean Xu Ruyi's statement to the police was actually true?
How could this be possible?
Qin Guan's certainties crumbled. Xu Ruyi's hospital statement to the police had clearly been a clumsy lie - her mannerisms, expressions, and logical loopholes all proved it false. Yet Yang Qingqing's check-in records were indisputably real.
"These appear to be authentic records from that day," the manager muttered nervously, checking the timestamps. "Everything looks normal..."
Qin Guan's sharp mind spiraled. He was 100% certain Xu Ruyi had fabricated the story. So how could there be verified records of Yang Qingqing's stay? Had Xu Ruyi secretly found capable help beyond those dim-witted housewives? Had she anticipated police verification and prepared records in advance?
But why wouldn't she have mentioned this during their hospital reconciliation?
No. Qin Guan shook his head - he knew Xu Ruyi too well. The simple-minded woman who stumbled through daily life could never devise such meticulous planning. She lacked both the intellect and capability.
Then who had done this?
As Qin Guan wrestled with these thoughts, a black sedan pulled up at the hotel entrance. His heart lurched - the two police officers from Xu Ruyi's hospital room emerged.
They'd come after all!
Panicking, Qin Guan yanked his cap lower. Without explaining to the manager, he darted into the staff lounge behind reception.
The officers cut straight to business amidst the hotel's gentle background music: "Was there a guest named Yang Qingqing staying here recently?"
Qin Guan pressed against the slightly ajar door, eavesdropping.
The receptionist confirmed: "Checked in two days ago, checked out this morning. Here's her ID information and contact details."
Qin Guan's throat tightened as the officers dialed Yang Qingqing's number. Each word hammered his nerves:
"Ms. Yang? This is Xinshi Police. We're investigating an assault case. You stayed at Tianfu Hotel two days ago?"
"What were you doing yesterday afternoon to evening?"
"You phoned a friend at noon? Name? Xu Ruyi? Got it. What did you do next?"
"Tea at which restaurant? Then? Walked, chatted, had dinner, returned to hotel together? What time?"
"After seeing her back to your room, she left alone? Didn't escort her out? Did she take elevator or stairs? Approximate time?"
The officer's pen scratched notes. Qin Guan had witnessed police thoroughness before, but this scrutiny stemmed from clear suspicion - they'd connected Xu Ruyi's beating to Qi Min's disappearance reported by that fool Li Yang.
What terrified Qin Guan wasn't this expected linkage, but the horrifying realization dawning on him -
Why did Yang Qingqing's account perfectly match Xu Ruyi's "lies"?
Had that simple-minded Xu Ruyi actually coordinated with Yang Qingqing to fabricate an alibi?
When could she have done this?
Was she truly protecting their family through such elaborate deception?